East Coasters have long been spoiled by summers along the water: sailing in Massachusetts’ Cape Cod, fly-fishing on the Connecticut River, or noshing on boardwalk fries along the Jersey Shore. Nothing creates memories quite like a beautiful water view, and the Northeast is replete with options to get your crew to set sail.
Jeff Lawson, director of Hello Burlington in Vermont, loves to host events aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen, a cruise ship on Lake Champlain that offers incredible views of the Adirondack Mountains, Green Mountains, and Burlington’s waterfront. When he refers event planners to the ship, Lawson is often met with surprise that the lake is so expansive—or that it exists at all. “Lake Champlain isn’t typically thought of as part of Vermont’s brand, but it is a massive part of the northwest Vermont experience between the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks,” he says. “We value being able to point event planners to the Spirit of Ethan Allen. It’s an easy, breezy way to see foliage and incredible sunsets.”
Event planner Lou Rod, founder and CEO of Boston-based experiential and talent agency Go MLR, agrees that an excursion on the water takes events to new heights. “There’s an elevated sense of exclusivity, adventure, and immersion that you just can’t replicate on land,” he says. But even more so than traditional land-based affairs, Rod cautions that hosting on the water requires meticulous planning to cover transportation logistics, onboard storage, and setup. Plus, unexpected changes in weather and space constraints (depending on vessel size) might require events to be adaptable. Many venues, however—like the Spirit of Ethan Allen—are quite versatile and offer enclosed spaces in case the weather doesn’t deliver. “Honestly, overcoming these challenges just makes the end result that much more rewarding,” says Rod.
Right-Size Solutions
Capacity concerns don’t have to dock your dreams. Larger vessels like the Spirit of Ethan Allen accommodate a wide range of events. “Whether you’re planning an employee appreciation gathering, a nonprofit fundraiser, donor appreciation event, or even a full-scale trade show, this floating venue takes things to the next level—literally,” offers Kristin Bogovich, media buyer and consultant for the cruise ship. “Our flexible space can be transformed for anything from networking receptions to formal banquets, with full catering, entertainment options, and plenty of room to mix and mingle.”
Philadelphia’s Moshulu is a memorable shipboard restaurant, permanently docked at Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River waterfront, offering three levels of event space accommodating up to 1,000 guests. Renovated in 2022, the tall ship boasts venues like its beautiful Stateroom, covered and heated Middle Deck and Bow Deck, and the open-air Wheelhouse Deck. “It is located on Penn’s Landing with spectacular views of the city skyline, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the New Jersey waterfront,” says Director of Sales Jake Wade, who has partnered with organizations such as Boeing and accounting firm KPMG to host corporate events.
For those planning events in multiple states, City Cruises docks vessels in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Balti-more, and the Washington, D.C., metro area, with capacities ranging from 140 to 1,000. Planners might arrange gatherings spanning a mix-and-mingle cocktail hour and a lengthier wine-and-dine evening with live entertainment to custom yacht experiences complete with a dedicated captain, bartenders, and event staff.
Bigger isn’t always better, however. Newport Classic Cruises in Rhode Island has many impressive midsize vessels to choose from depending on your needs. Schooner Madeleine, a 72-foot ship, holds 49, while fellow Schooner Adirondack IV is 90 feet in length and provides a smooth ride through Narragansett Bay for up to 90. For more intimate events, Sloop Eleanor is a 48-foot sailing vessel that offers a relaxed vibe with room for as many as 24. To get a taste of history, Newport Classic Cruises Assistant Manager Elise Ferguson loves Yacht Rum Runner II, a 58-foot classic motor yacht reminiscent of Prohibition-era smuggling boats. “There’s no better way to take in Newport’s beauty than from the water, with the sun dipping below the horizon and the historic waterfront glowing in the evening light,” she adds.
Sail Through Time
A historic angle certainly lends charm to an onboard event. Operated by the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut, the Sabino steamboat is a National Historic Landmark vessel. The 57-foot wooden boat was built in 1908 in East Boothbay, Maine, where it operated before coming to the museum. Now, Sabino accommodates up to 75 people for a cruise.
“Our downriver cruise passes through our historic Mystic River Bascule Bridge and the Mystic River Railroad Bridge both on the way out and coming back,” explains Liz Sistare, watercraft operations supervisor for Mystic Seaport Museum. “Sabino also will pass by the Six Penny Island Wildlife Area and turn around near the mouth of the river by the historic fishing village of Noank, where passengers learn about the current oyster farm operations on the river and the various marine wildlife found along the shore.” For larger groups, the museum allows for multiple shorter trips while the others on shore gather for a cocktail party at the dockside event space.
Turn the clock back even further aboard the USS Constellation at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Launched in 1854, the historic vessel was the last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy, serving as a training ship and the flagship of the Africa Squadron, which played a key role in ending the slave trade during its active years. Today, the USS Constellation is fully restored, blending historic charm with the modern event facilities inside the accompanying museum building. “Guests are not only immersed in a stunning, authentic nautical environment, but they also enjoy sweeping views of the harbor and downtown Baltimore from the museum’s exclusive rooftop decks,” says Steven Bountress, executive director of Historic Ships in Baltimore, the ship’s owner and operator. “The ship itself provides a dramatic backdrop for corporate and nonprofit events, giving attendees a unique experience they won’t find anywhere else.” Onboard, planners might rent out all four decks for up to 250 attendees, or the Constellation Captain’s Cabin for intimate meetings of up to 14.
cityexperiences.com/city-cruises
historicships.org
moshulu.com
mysticseaport.org/sabino-steamboat
sail-newport.com
soea.com
